Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

This 12-day luxury journey showcases Bhutan's must-see sites, with time spent in the major cities of Paro and Thimphu, plus visits to remote mountain villages and farmhouses out in far flung valleys of Bumthang and Gangtey. There's plenty of history and culture in this tour from ancient fortresses, far-flung monasteries and countless chortens, fluttering prayer flags and ancient Buddhist sites. Explore the best of Bhutan with your own private car and guide and stay in a selection of the kingdom's most luxurious Himalayan resorts.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Living Traditions: In this remote Kingdom, national dress is worn daily and traditional practices are well-alive. Museums, working shops, and learning centers will introduce you to traditional medicine, weaving, paper-making, archery, and Buddhist arts.
  • Hiking:  Owning the title of the greenest country in the world, Bhutan’s pristine countryside is best seen on its many hiking trails.  
  • Spirituality: With a national policy of wellbeing over wealth, spirituality is the quintessential way of life in Bhutan. Those seeking a piece can visit the monasteries, get a blessing, light butter lamps, meditate with monks, and take a contemplative soak in a hot stone bath.     
  • Takstang Monastery: Do as the locals do and make a pilgrimage to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic and holiest site. 

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Paro

Arrive in Paro, the start of your journey. You will be whisked to your luxury hotel by private car where you can settle in and rest. In the afternoon, be ready to explore the historic town beginning with a precursor on culture and art at the National Museum, housed in a conch shaped fortress. Then visit the ancient ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a UNESCO-designated site and famous archaeological site. Built in 1649, this fortress marked the tiny kingdom's victory over Tibetan forces and defense of its sovereignty.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Spa: The Aman spa contains private saunas, steam rooms, a yoga studio and private treatment rooms with showers and outdoor stone baths.

Accommodation: The hotel has just 24 select suites featuring traditional Bhutanese wood-burning stoves and generous terrazzo-clad baths.

Location: The resort overlooks a 17th century Drukyel Dzong and snow-capped Mt. Jumolhari.

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Amankora Paro Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Bumthang

In the morning, head back to the airport for a flight across the country to Bumthang, a province with religious and political significance, the homelands of the royal house. Get a unique taste of Swiss Bhutanese products at Fritz Maurer's Swiss Farm, Bhutan's only commercial cheese factory and brewery of Bhutan's only native beer, Red Panda. Enjoy some honey, cheese, jam and a fresh brew with sweeping views. Then take a walk around the quaint town and stop by Jakar Dzong which offers views of the Choekor valley from the front courtyard.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Bumthang is one of the most remote, least visited parts of Bhutan –known as the spiritual hub of Bhutan and steeped in folklore and stories- providing a unique and authentic visitor experience.

Décor: The 16 guest suites balance Bhutanese flair and contemporary luxury, each suite is centered around a traditional bukhari wood-burning stove.

View: The resort looks out towards the crumbling Wandichholing Palace the birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy in Jakar in the Choekhor valley.

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Amankora Bumthang Preferred Hotel
Bumthang
Bumthang

Day 3

Bumthang

Rise early for an excursion to Tang Valley where farm houses and fields are dotted between heavily forested mountains. You'll see Mebartso, the "Burning Lake", a deep pool in the river gorge with religious significance. Also visit Pemacholing Nunnery, a monastic school with nuns from 12 to 70 years of age. Enjoy a gentle hike along the river and a picnic lunch at a scenic spot. Follow the trail to Ogyen Chholing, a manor built in 1898 which has been preserved as a museum. Return to the lodge for the evening, where we recommend taking advantage of its spa.

Day 4

Bumthang

Today, visit another one of Bumthang's idyllic valleys. Ura Valley has the highest elevation and is known for its scenic view of lush meadows, terraced fields, and lofty hills dotted with alpine trees. Enjoy strolling through the landscape and observing villagers in traditional dress go about their day. After a picnic lunch, hop on bicycles for a ride downhill back to town. Get acquainted with the special handicraft of Bumthang called yathra, a thick handwoven woolen textile adorned with intricate designs that is popular country-wide. Visit a cooperative where you can browse organic products made by local farmers. If you like, continue biking along casual trails.

Bumthang
Bumthang

Day 5

Gangtey

Depart Bumthang by road and head towards Gangtey, five hours away. Along the way you'll pass through Trongsa town where you'll stop at the famous fortress Trongsa Dzong, perched over the village on the mountainside. Also, learn about Bhutanese history at the Trongsa Museum of Monarchy, with more than 100 years of royal history on display. Upon arriving in Gangtey, the rest of the day is yours to settle in at your luxury lodge.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The hotel is situated in one of Bhutan’s most significant nature reserves, famous for endangered Black Neck Cranes.

Activities: Nature lovers will enjoy the treks and walks on the hotel’s doorstep through forests, mountains, the rural settlement of Gangtey and traditional farmlands.

Views: From the cozy suites decorated with wooden paneling and Bhutanese paintings, guests may look out onto the stunning glacial valley.

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Amankora Gangtey Preferred Hotel

Day 6

Gangtey

Gangtey is nestled in the treeless Phobjikha Valley. It's here in the wetlands that the auspicious black-necked cranes nest. If you visit during the winter, you can learn more about this intriguing species at the Crane Center and even spot the bird if you're lucky. This is also the home of the beautiful old Gangtey Monastery, with its elaborate gate and breathtaking valley views. Take the opportunity to hike this valley which offers marshlands, lots of flat open terrain and, being away from the more heavily touristed areas, peace and serenity.

Gangtey
Gangtey

Day 7

Punakha

Drive 2.5 hours onward to Punakha in the morning. Once the capital of the country, Punakha has the second oldest and second biggest though arguably the most majestic dzong in the country. It is built at the confluence of two major rivers and a stunning sight on sunny days. After visiting the dzong, take a lovely hike to Chimi Lhakang across a vast spread of paddy fields. The sacred fertility temple was constructed by an eccentric yogi in a famous legend involving a flaming thunderbolt and a dog demon.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Exclusivity: The hotel has just eight suites making the hotel intimate, welcoming and private.

History: The hotel is housed in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built as a home by the Royal Bhutanese Queen to oversee the local farmland.

Spa: The resort's indulgent spa looks over rice fields and comprises a meditation room, private treatment rooms and a steam room and changing area.

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Amankora Punakha Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Punakha

Begin the morning with a hike to Khamsum Yuley Monastery, an elaborate chorten that took 10 years to complete. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverside where you can also try your hand at archery, the national sport of Bhutan. Get ready for adventure this afternoon as you take on the rapids of the river. Whether you choose an easy or challenging ride, the picturesque backdrop is a highlight of the experience.

Punakha
Punakha

Day 9

Thimphu

Travel to Thimphu today, just 90 minutes away via Dochula Pass, a snowy mountain pass where you can stop for a cup of tea and to see the 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother. Thimphu is Bhutan's largest and most modern city - though it is the only capital city in the world that does not have any traffic lights. Spend the day exploring this unique city full of museums and monasteries. The Dzong is the present administrative center and holds the king's office. If you wish, take the unique opportunity to create your own stamp at the post office.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Tranquility: The resort has a relaxed pace of life, residing in a pine forest in the upper Thimphu Valley away from the lively Bhutanese capital.

Location: The resort is an ideal retreat from the capital city of Thimphu, yet within easy reach to the city’s main attractions.

Library: In the evenings guests may get cozy with a hot drink or glass of wine in the on-site library which boasts a collection of literature on Bhutanese culture and art.

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Amankora Thimphu Preferred Hotel

Day 10

Thimphu

Spend another day exploring the capital city. From traditional Buddhist arts and handmade paper to textiles and traditional medicine, there is much culture to see and learn. Don't miss the Motithang Takin Preserve where you can see the national animal, a takin, which resemble goat-cow hybrids. To enhance your day, opt to meet an expert who can accompany you for the day or chat over tea or lunch. An ethno-historian who has lived and worked in Bhutan for decades, our expert loves to share her knowledge and insight on the country at large.

Thimphu
Thimphu

Day 11

Paro

Return to Paro early this morning, one hour's drive away, to begin your trek to Taktsang Palphug Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Tiger's Nest is perched on a cliff overlooking Paro Valley and is one of Bhutan’s most iconic sites. The monastery is home to sacred paintings, a prayer wheel, several buddhas and many religious relics. This must-do pilgrimage rounds out your classic Bhutan journey. Return to the lodge in Paro after your trek to rest. We suggest you unwind and reward yourself with Bhutan's signature hot stone bath.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Spa: The Aman spa contains private saunas, steam rooms, a yoga studio and private treatment rooms with showers and outdoor stone baths.

Accommodation: The hotel has just 24 select suites featuring traditional Bhutanese wood-burning stoves and generous terrazzo-clad baths.

Location: The resort overlooks a 17th century Drukyel Dzong and snow-capped Mt. Jumolhari.

See Hotel
Amankora Paro Preferred Hotel

Day 12

Departure

Enjoy one last cup of butter tea and a walk in the mountain air before departing the Himalayan kingdom. When ready, take a private transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

Amankora Paro
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Paro

Amankora Paro is located just outside of town and features sweeping views of the Paro valley and snow-capped mountains. The hotel, just 30 minutes from Paro airport, has 24 spacious suites designed to evoke a contemporary and minimalist vision of traditional Bhutanese style, incorporating local wood, stone and terrazzo tile. Each suite has a bukhari, or wood-burning stove, and a luxurious bathroom complete with soaking tub. Bhutanese cuisine and international fare are served in the hotel’s great room lounge, dining room, and terrace. The two-level spa contains private areas for massage and treatments, a glass-walled sauna, hot stone baths and a yoga room with a relaxation area. Fax services are available, as is Internet. There is no fitness center or pool, but the Amankora’s idyllic surroundings are perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 2–4

Amankora Bumthang
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Bumthang

Amankora Bumthang is a recently opened Amankora in Bhutan, with views of buckwheat, millet and potato fields, an apple orchard, and Wangdicholing Palace, the Kingdom’s oldest palace, which is now a monastery. There are 16 suites complete with a bukhari and views of the courtyard and palace. Amankora Bumthang has a spa with three treatment rooms and a steam room. There is no business center, but the Library has an Internet station and WiFi access. The property is approximately a 15-minute drive from the new airport in Bumthang.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 5–6

Amankora Gangtey
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Gangtey

Amankora Gangtey is in the remote Phobjikha Valley, with awe-inspiring views of a gorge and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba monastery. Each of Amankora's eight suites is fitted with a bukhari, a wood-burning stove, and wood paneling. The dining room and living room are combined and have views of the Phobjikha Valley out of floor-to-ceiling windows. There is no Internet, business center, fitness center or pool at Amankora Gangtey, but hot stone baths and a spa with two treatment rooms are available. The resort is approximately a 4.5-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 7–8

Amankora Punakha
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Punakha

Amankora Punakha is located just across a suspension bridge along the Mo Chu River, with suites built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. A small property, there are only eight suites. The hotel is situated in an orange orchard, with views of Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monasteries. The farmhouse has a dining room, courtyard and tea pavilion for dining and refreshments. The spa at Punakha has two treatment rooms, a steam room and a yoga and meditation area. There is fax and Internet access; however the connection is quite slow. There is no fitness center or pool, but hot stone baths are available. The hotel is approximately a four-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 9–10

Amankora Thimphu
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Thimphu

Amankora Thimpu is located on a hillside in a verdant pine forest far above Bhutan’s capital city. The hotel’s architecture is reminiscent of Bhutanese temples, or dzongs, and incorporates white-washed stone buildings around an enclosed courtyard. Sixteen suites are composed of living and sleeping areas, with views of the forest and nearby streams. The spacious terrazzo-tiled bathrooms have soaking tubs and twin vanities. Guests may dine either in an elegant dining room or on the adjacent terrace, both of which serve Bhutanese and international cuisine. Steam and sauna rooms are available, and massage and spa treatments are offered in private rooms nearby. Traditional hot stone baths can be scheduled. There is no fitness center. Fax and Internet are available. The resort is approximately 30 minutes from the airport in Paro.

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Suggested Hotel For Day 11

Amankora Paro
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Paro

Amankora Paro is located just outside of town and features sweeping views of the Paro valley and snow-capped mountains. The hotel, just 30 minutes from Paro airport, has 24 spacious suites designed to evoke a contemporary and minimalist vision of traditional Bhutanese style, incorporating local wood, stone and terrazzo tile. Each suite has a bukhari, or wood-burning stove, and a luxurious bathroom complete with soaking tub. Bhutanese cuisine and international fare are served in the hotel’s great room lounge, dining room, and terrace. The two-level spa contains private areas for massage and treatments, a glass-walled sauna, hot stone baths and a yoga room with a relaxation area. Fax services are available, as is Internet. There is no fitness center or pool, but the Amankora’s idyllic surroundings are perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

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